We will not stop the war. We will go into Rafah : Israeli PM Netanyahu

 Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been speaking at a televised press conference after the Israeli military said it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Netanyahu says evil has “suffered a heavy blow” but warns that the “task before us is not yet complete”.

He describes Sinwar’s death as the “beginning of the end”, and says Israel will continue to work until the end of the war. We have demonstrated today that all those who try to harm us, this is what happens to them. And how the forces of good can always beat the forces of evil and darkness. The war is still ongoing, and it’s costly.

To the people of Israel, Netanyahu says that there are “a lot of challenges still facing us” and that “we have to remain resilient” and “stand firm on our ground and to continue to fight”.

We will not stop the war. We will go into Rafah"  

US president Joe Biden has spoken with Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated the Israeli prime minister for the death of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, according to Axios.

Both leaders “agreed that there is an opportunity to advance a deal to free the hostages and they will work together to achieve that goal,” according to a statement by Netanyahu’s office.  

Netanyahu described Sinwar as the person who “committed the most terrible massacre in the history of our nation since the Holocaust, the mass murderer who murdered thousands of Israelis and kidnapped hundreds of our citizens”.

Yahya Sinwar: Radical Islamist ideologue utterly committed to Israel’s destruction

 He survived brain cancer in 2008 after being treated by Israeli doctors.  

Sinwar’s grip on Hamas remained unwavering after a year of war, despite some signs of dissent among Gazans.

Dubbed “The Face of Evil” by Israel, Sinwar operated in secrecy, moving constantly and using trusted messengers for non-digital communication. 

In the end, after a year-long, multi-agency manhunt involving the latest technology, Israel’s best special forces and American assistance, Yahya Sinwar appears to have been killed by regular soldiers who had stumbled into him and had no idea whom they had killed.

According to the initial reports, they were not there on an assassination operation and had no prior intelligence that they could be in the vicinity of the elusive Hamas leader, architect of the 7 October attacks, the man Israel most wanted to kill, says a report in 'The Guardian', London. 

It was only after they took a closer look at his face and found identity documents on him that the troops realised they had got Sinwar.

Along the way, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have smashed much of Gaza and are estimated to have killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, driving two million from their homes, a humanitarian disaster Sinwar set in motion with the sheer brutality of the initial surprise assault a year ago, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostage.

Israel eliminates Hamas chief Sinwar -- the man who plotted Oct 7, 2023 massacre

 Hamas chief Sinwar killed, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says 'evil delivered a blow'  

"Mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who was responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel said in a statement. 

Earlier, he survived Israeli jails for 22 years.

From his hiding, Sinwar used to call for suicide attacks on Israeli targets. 
He also became infamous as the 'Butcher of Khan Younis'.  

In October 2023, several Israelis were held hostage in a dark tunnel in Gaza. Suddenly, a man emerged out of nowhere. This was the Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar. 

When asked if he was ashamed of abducting an Israeli peace campaigner, he responded with silence. This video found by the Israeli military was one of the last traces of the terror-group Hamas's new chief -- Yahya Sinwar. 

This is the man who ordered the October 7 attacks on Israel, killing 1,200 people. While it has been difficult to find him, he was the prime target of Israel.  

Before the reports of the operation in Gaza, Sinwar had been out of the public eye for weeks now, fuelling speculations that he was dead. But several reports, including one from the Washington Post, claimed Sinwar was alive and ordering "suicide bombings".

The White House Mideast czar Brett McGurk even claimed that he was in an underground Gaza tunnel, also called "Gaza metro", according to the Times of Israel. A report by the Guardian also earlier stated that Sinwar was in a tunnel inside Gaza, a completely underground city, with human shields to protect him.  

“What we would hope, is that whoever the next leader of Hamas is, he will look at what has happened over the past year and look at the suffering that Hamas’s actions have brought upon the Palestinian people who they aim to represent, whose cause they aim to advance, and decide that they ought to pursue a different path forward,” Miller said at a press briefing.  

US Vice President and Democratic candidate for the Presidential poll, Kamala Harris hailed Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, noting that “he had American blood on his hands.”

“Any terrorist who kills Americans, threatens the American people or threatens our troops or our interests, know this — we will always bring you to justice,” Harris says in a statement to reporters.

“Israel has a right to defend itself, and the threat Hamas poses to Israel must be eliminated. Today, there is clear progress toward that goal. Hamas is decimated and its leadership is eliminated,” she says.  

Born in 1962, Sinwar had been recruited by Hamas's founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, who made him a chief of an internal security unit known as Al Majd. His role was to hunt and punish those who were suspected of violating Islamic morality laws or cooperating with the Israeli forces, a position that eventually led to his arrest.

He was imprisoned in 1988 for killing four Palestinians for collaborating with Israel. He spent over two decades in an Israeli jail, where he learnt Hebrew.

He was released in a prisoner swap in 2011. He had been in favour of armed confrontation with the Jewish state over diplomatic initiatives.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a phone call with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the Pentagon says.

Austin “expressed strong support for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza,” the US readout says.

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Canadian PM stands hollow and exposed :::: US welcomes Indian Govt's cooperation ::::: Says 'Indian individual' named in US Justice Department indictment is no longer an employee of Indian Govt

India had sought extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi gang members from Canada a few years back, Randhir Jaiaswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday amid a diplomatic row with the North American country.

"We had shared some requests with the Canadian side for the arrest of those from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. They haven’t taken any action on our core concerns. There is a political motive also behind this", Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Thursday.

In response to a question at a media briefing, Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, said, “They (Indian Govt) did inform us that the individual named in the Justice Department indictment is no longer an employee of the Indian government.”  This is related to a similar case in Canada wherein Indian Govt and individuals are accused of eliminating 'terrorists' in foreign soil.  

The United States now confirms that the individual, a former RAW officer identified as allegedly involved in the US Department of Justice indictment, in the failed plot to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is “no longer an employee of the Indian government.”

Miller said that the high-level Indian inquiry committee had a “productive meeting” with US government officials during which both sides shared updates on their respective investigations into the case. 

The US had announced the visit of the high-level Indian inquiry committee earlier this week amid a diplomatic blowback between New Delhi and Ottawa over Canada’s suggestion of Indian diplomats’ involvement in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar assassination case. 

The statement announcing this visit was put out on Monday and later retracted, but was eventually restored on the US State Department website.

The Indian committee, whose composition hasn’t been officially disclosed but is believed to include a retired IPS officer currently serving as Deputy National Security Advisor and another retired IPS officer presently serving as Special Secretary in the National Security Council Secretariat, was set up to review the evidence shared by the US government regarding the involvement of Indian national Nikhil Gupta. 

Gupta allegedly plotted to kill Pannun at the behest of an Indian intelligence official. The US indictment has also suggested a link between the alleged plot targeting Pannun and the killing of Nijjar.

Miller further stated that the US was “satisfied” with India’s cooperation. 

“It continues to be an ongoing process. We continue to work with them on that, but we do appreciate the cooperation, and we appreciate them updating us on their investigation as we update them on ours,” he said.

Miller said: “The fact that they sent an inquiry committee here, I think, demonstrates that they are taking this seriously. It is something they absolutely need to take seriously.”  

Justin stands exposed and hollow !

India has called out Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "cavalier attitude" after he acknowledged that he had only "intelligence-based speculation" and 

no "hard evidentiary proof" regarding the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

"What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along — Canada has presented us (India) no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a late-night statement.  

The foreign ministry flayed Justin Trudeau for the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two nations, which saw diplomats being kicked out in tit-for-tat moves, the latest in a year-long dispute that has plunged bilateral relations to a new low.  

"The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone," it stated.

The stern response followed Trudeau's deposition at a parliamentary inquiry on foreign interference, where he addressed what he characterised as broad efforts by Indian representatives to silence critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Canadian soil.  

The Canadian leader sought to hit back by claiming that there were "clear indications" that India violated his country's sovereignty. However, while testifying before the Commission of Inquiry, Trudeau admitted that his government only provided 

"intelligence and no proof" to India over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

He stated that when Canadian agencies asked India to look into the allegations last year, New Delhi sought proof. 

"At that point, it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof," Trudeau said.

ends 

CRICKET is a game Dr Jaishankar is very fond of ::: The gentleman's game figured in talks between India, Pakistan foreign ministers

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had "casual conversations" with both Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during his stay in Islamabad.

Reports also claim Dr Jaishankar spoke to his Pakistani counterpart twice in less than 24 hours. 

Indian government sources described the exchanges as informal but Pakistani side called one such exchange as a 'brief pull-aside' chats between Dar and the Indian Foreign Minister.

One interaction was for about seven minutes at a dinner hosted by Pakistani PM Sharif.

Importantly, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was part of these interactions suggesting the idea of resuming bilateral cricket ties as a potential icebreaker between the two nations.

Naqvi even called the chit chat as an "ice-breaker."

A bilateral cricket series before the 50-over multinational ICC event is on cards. Pakistan is keen so that the Indian side visit Pakistan.

Of course the talks - albeit informal and casual - took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of Council of Heads of Government.

The diplomatic and cricket ties between the two countries have remained frozen for years.

The Champions Trophy is to be hosted by Pakistan next February. 

Pakistan foreign ministry has said earlier: "We hope that India will try to take steps to bring a situation to create a condition for peace and dialogue in the region"

Before his departure for Islamabad to attend the SCO Summit which Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave it a miss - Dr Jaishankar had said: "I am going there to be a good member of the SCO. But, you know, since I am a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself, accordingly".

However, in the UNGA, giving his 'National Statement', Dr Jaishankar had blasted Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's statement particularly for comparing the situation in Kashmir to that of Palestine.

"We heard some bizarre assertions from this very forum (UNGA) yesterday. Let me make India's position very clear. Pakistan's policy of cross-border terrorism will never succeed.  And it can have no expectation of impunity. On the contrary, actions will certainly have consequences", Jaishankar had said.

On the sidelines of SCO Summit at the lunch hosted by Sharif, they were not supposed to be seated together at the lunch for leaders, but instructions went out to the Pakistan protocol to ensure that Jaishankar and Dar were next to each other.

It may be mentioned that during his visit to Goa in 2023 for the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet, Dr Jaishankar had targeted his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari a spokesperson for the terrorism industry. 

Prior to that Bhutto Zardari had raised Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 -- which actually led Dr Jaishankar take such a tough stance.

But at the SCO Summit in October 2024, Islamabad was cautious and hence there were no provocative statements by the Pakistani side.

In fact, Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal even endorsed the path of parleys cherished under the leadership of Vajpayee-Nawaz Sharif era and said the Lahore Declaration should be followed, 

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said they were meeting for a multilateral event as part of reciprocity, and the Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Jaishankar was a “guest of Pakistan”.

Jaishankar too followed the script and maintained the civil courtesy.

He tweeted thanking the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies.

If Indian cricket team goes to Pakistan for Feb 2025 Champions Trophy, it will be the team’s first visit across the border in 17 years. 

But the bilateral series may not be easy as both sides have otherwise busy calendars. 

Pakistani Foreign Minister Dar is an important and influential player in Pakistan’s current establishment. 

He has been a trusted colleague of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the patriarch of the Sharif family and elder brother of PM Shehbaz. Dar’s eldest son is married to Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Asma Nawaz. 

The PCB has given the BCCI various options regarding the itinerary for the first visit of their cricketers across the border in 17 years.

While the PCB had decided to schedule all three league games involving India in Lahore, the broadcasters wanted them to also play at other venues. Considering this request, the PCB floated the idea of having a game in Rawalpindi. 

The PCB communication to the BCCI also stated that Lahore was earmarked as the venue because this would allow India to travel home after every game if the side so wished, says a report in 'Indian Express'. 

For India at the end of the New Zealand Test series this month, India travels to South Africa and Australia. After their return in January, they host England before the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan is more than keen to host the ICC Champions Trophy in Feb 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering three options: holding the tournament in Pakistan as scheduled, employing a hybrid model that splits matches between Pakistan and the UAE, or relocating the entire tournament outside of Pakistan.

Dubai, Sri Lanka and South Africa are being considered as potential alternative venues.

ends 

Nawaz Sharif and Vajpayee: 1999 - Lahore 

World should be cautious about this man ... not much known ..... Andrew Conru

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Pak PM Shehbaz bats for 'China interest'... pitches for Regional Connectivity :::: India red-flags China’s ambitious ‘One Belt One Road’

The so-called Connectivtiy projects must not compromise the sovereignty of nations, says India at the SCO summit hosted in Islamabad.

As expected doing the bid for its 'friend and saviour' China, Pakistan calls for investment for regional connectivity. 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif  on Oct 16 urged the member states to not view such connectivity projects through a “narrow political prism".  His remarks came as an apparent criticism of India’s long-standing refusal to endorse the initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Sharif said: “Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism, and invest in our collective connectivity capacities which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region". 

He called for a more cooperative approach to connectivity that could enhance the socio-economic progress of the entire SCO region. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made India’s stance clear during his address. He flagged off the much important issue of Sovereignty of nations at the world stage.  

"Collaborative connectivity can create new efficiencies. The world of logistics, as indeed of energy, could undergo a sea change. Environmental protection and climate action are ready domains for mutually beneficial exchanges. The treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases will benefit from accessible and affordable pharmaceutical capabilities," he said. 

However, he was articulate in sharing India's concern:  ".... Excellencies, to do that, cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas". 

"It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit," he stated. 

Dr Jaishankar also said, "Whether it is health, food or energy security, we are all clearly better off working together. Indeed, even culture, education and sports are promising areas. In effect, there is so much that we can do once we are truly determined to promote that synergy. From an Indian perspective, our own global initiatives and national endeavours are also strongly relevant for the SCO. The International Solar Alliance promotes renewable energy. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure prepares us for climate events. Mission LiFE advocates a sustainable life-style."

 "Practicing Yoga and promoting millets make a difference to wellness and to environment. The Global Biofuel Alliance recognizes the task of energy transition. The International Big Cat Alliance protects our bio-diversity. 

At home, we have demonstrated the value of digital public infrastructure, just as we have shown the impact of women-led development".

But he said, while we each make our contribution, "the world order" is more than the sum of its parts. 

"As it changes, global institutions do need to keep pace. That is why the case for ‘reformed multilateralism’ gets stronger by the day. Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential". 

Dr Jaisshankar also raised concerns about the debt implications of such projects, without directly naming China.

India has consistently refused to endorse the BRI in previous SCO conclaves, and this summit was no exception. 

India’s refusal stands in stark contrast to the joint communique released at the end of the summit, where all other SCO member states — Russia, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan —reaffirmed their support for the Chinese initiative.

The communique noted the ongoing efforts to link the Eurasian Economic Union with the BRI, and expressed optimism about implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy through 2030.

Pak PM Sharif urged the Taliban government to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against its neighbours, reflecting the broader security concerns shared by SCO members. 

For his part, Dr Jaishankar said : "It is imperative that we now renew our resolve to attain the objectives of the SCO. That means recognizing the current constraints on our cooperation and focusing on the pathway forward. It can surely happen when we develop and implement an agenda that is firmly based on an agreed mutuality of interests." 

After all, he said, "the SCO represents the forces of change on whom much of the world puts such great store. Let us live up to that responsibility.

Thadou-Kuki organisation welcomes MHA-facilitated Manipur legislators meet against ethnic violence

 Thadou-Kuki organisation welcomes MHA-facilitated Manipur meet 

New Delhi 

The Thadou Community International (TCI) on Wednesday, Oct 16, welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs initiatives for facilitating a pivotal peace meeting in New Delhi which was attended by as many as 20 MLAs from the Zo, Meitei and Naga communities of Manipur.

The meeting was held under the "supervision" of Union Home minister Amit Shah, the organisation said in a statement adding this initiative is part of the efforts launched to address the ethnic violence plaguing the state since May 3, 2023.

However, the Thadou community organisation said the meeting of legislators from all three communities "should have happened" earlier - but now that it has taken place, it ought to be appreciated and welcomed by all.

"The meeting is a beacon of hope for Manipur's troubled landscape," it said.

The Thadou people, also called Thadou-Kukis, are the Thadou language-speaking Kuki people reportedly inhabiting Manipur, some other parts of North East India and also Myanmar and Bangladesh.

"All the MLAs who attended the meeting deserve praise for taking the right decision in showing their wisdom and leadership by demonstrating a willingness to lead the people out of doldrums with a genuine sense of courage and truth," the statement said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Oct 15th said that a group of elected members of Manipur Assembly, representing Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei and Naga communities, met in New Delhi to discuss the current scenario in the State. The meeting unanimously resolved to appeal to the people of the State belonging to all communities to shun the path of violence. 

The Thadu organisation said it's befitting that such a meeting took place and it also said - "the Leaders must have the courage to tell the truth and give genuine hope to their people instead of giving misleading or deceptive messages with false hopes".

"Whatever may be the aspirations and rightful demands of the different groups, violence is destructive and should not be the means. Government authorities, media groups, community leaders and all concerned groups and people must pay greater collaborative efforts in playing a role in truth-telling positive messaging in the community," it said.  

It further maintained: "Violence in any manner must be shunned because more violence brings no gain but only more destruction and loss. This is especially true of the Thadou people as we are the most affected, yet silenced victims caught up in the senseless violence".

TCI urges people of all communities to join hands in engaging in meaningful dialogues for amicable solutions in the larger interest of all the people, especially the most affected ones. We have consistently advocated for peaceful resolution, justice, and respect for human rights.

The Delhi meeting marks a crucial step towards healing wounds and bringing lasting peace and development in the state. TCI would like to encourage more of such meetings in future not only between elected representatives but also between civil society organizations, community leaders, intellectuals, diasporas, and members of the general public.

TCI remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and human rights. We believe that collective action and inclusive dialogue are essential to resolving the complex issues underlying the conflict.

Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Govindas Konthoujam, Thokchom Radheshyam, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, L. Rameshwor, Yumnam Khemchand, Th. Satyabrata, T. Robindro, and Kh. Raghumani represented Meiteis, while the Kuki-Zo MLAs in attendance were Letpao Haokip, Haokholet Kipgen, Ngursanglur Sanate, Paolilien Haokip, and Letzamang Haokip. 

Naga MLAs—Ram Muivah, Losii Dikho, and Awangbou Newmai—also joined the talks.

BJP MP Sambit Patra who is the BJP Northeast Coordinator, AK Mishra, Home Ministry Advisor (North East) other senior officials also attended the meeting which lasted for about 2 hours.

The focus of the meeting was to bridge the ethnic divide that has fuelled the violence, which has resulted in over 230 fatalities and displaced more than 59,000 people. 

The Kuki-Zo MLAs reiterated their demand for a separate administration.

ends